What is special in engine/suspension on the ascMcLaren?

ethm1 · Post by **ethm1** » Fri Apr 22, 2011 7:51 pm

Hi,
I don't want to seem dumb, and have looked around this site and others... I am a mustang buff, have owned two, a 1973 Grande' and a 1985 GT. I am looking to buy another one and saw a 1987 ascMcLaren for sale locally. I've looked around and read up on the car, but besides the convertible, was there anything done to engine outputs, suspension, etc...? In other words, does it handle better or go faster than a regular 5.0 LX or GT?
My email address is ethm1@yahoo.com in case you want to respond there. I don't know if I've got my profivel set up correctly yet. Doesn't make sense to if I don't get the McLaren.
Thanks,
Jim

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Fri Apr 22, 2011 8:24 pm

ASC/McLaren NEVER pubilcy stated what (if any) things were "played with". However.... those that have or had 5.0 Merc Capris / Ford Mustangs and now own a McLaren have said the cars are faster and corner better. That is all I can say.

The 1984-1986 Mercury Capri Buble-Back coups have the B-303 Cam and a higher # Rear Axle Ratio, and some other little goodies.

Post by **negusm** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 4:03 am

They probably feel like they corner differently due to the weight distribution changed when converted from a sedan. I think they might have gotten lowering springs.

The verts have no performance changes that anyone has found in the engine/suspension beyond lowering springs.

The coupes are a different animal and they were supposed to get the B303 cam and tie rod tips, etc etc.

-Mike

ethm1 · Post by **ethm1** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 3:39 pm

Thanks guys. The more info, the better.

Kentennis · Post by **Kentennis** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 3:47 pm

Yes they were lowered and different shocks, as well as Thunderbird Turbo front suspension parts. Just a few subtle changes to the suspension but it seems to have made a great deal of difference.

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 4:47 pm

Mike & Ken added what I could not recall.

Thank you both.

ChuckG · Post by **ChuckG** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 10:59 pm

The lower gear ratio was effected by the lower tire profile (and attendant speedo gear changes). The difference between the RS and the ASC was 225/660/15s @ 3.08 that then became 225/50/15s (softer compound too) @3.31

In an era of over-bearing EPA regulations like the early 80s when technology hadn't quite caught up, the 5.0L was stout and pretty much hands-off for tuning (officially), but the real difference in performance from which the Coupes benefited was getting the power to the street. The tires, gear, stiffer springs, and better shocks did all that.

Just remember: four years earlier, "performance" meant just a sticker kit.